What Nevada Record Sealing Does
Nevada record sealing removes arrests, charges, and convictions from public access. Once a record is sealed, it is no longer visible to employers conducting background checks, landlords screening tenants, or members of the general public searching court records. The sealed record still exists — it is not destroyed — but it is hidden from public view and you are legally permitted to state on most applications that the arrest or conviction did not occur.
Nevada uses the term “record sealing” rather than “expungement,” which is used in some other states. The practical effect is similar: your criminal history becomes private, allowing you to move forward without the burden of a public criminal record affecting your employment prospects, housing applications, and personal relationships.
Waiting Periods by Offense Type
Nevada law requires different waiting periods depending on the offense before a record can be sealed. The waiting period runs from the date of release from custody, or from the date the case was closed if no custody was involved.
For Category A felonies, the waiting period is ten years. Category B, C, and D felonies require a seven-year wait. Category E felonies require five years. Gross misdemeanors have a two-year waiting period. Most misdemeanors require a one-year wait. Arrests that did not result in conviction can often be sealed immediately after the case is closed or dismissed.
Offenses That Cannot Be Sealed in Nevada
Not all convictions can be sealed. Nevada law permanently excludes certain serious offenses from eligibility, including crimes against children, sex offenses that require registration as a sex offender, DUI causing death or substantial bodily harm, and certain felonies involving the use of violence. If you are uncertain whether your conviction is eligible for sealing, Marathon Law Group can review your record and provide a clear answer.
How to File for Record Sealing in Clark County
The record sealing process in Clark County involves filing a petition with the appropriate court, serving notice on the district attorney’s office, and attending a hearing if the petition is contested. The process requires identifying all relevant cases and ensuring the petition covers every jurisdiction where records exist. An incomplete petition may leave some records unsealed even after the process is complete. Marathon Law Group handles every step of the record sealing process on behalf of our clients.
What Changes After Your Record Is Sealed
After your Nevada record is sealed, you can legally state on job applications, apartment rental applications, and other forms that you have not been arrested or convicted of a crime in most circumstances. Employers and landlords conducting standard background checks will not find the sealed record. Your ability to find employment in most fields, obtain housing, and pursue professional licenses improves significantly.
There are limited exceptions. Certain government positions, law enforcement jobs, and applications for specific professional licenses may still require disclosure of sealed records. A Marathon Law Group attorney can advise you on how record sealing will specifically affect your situation.
To learn more about how we can help with your criminal matter, visit our attorneys page or our practice areas. Call us at (702) 522-1808 or reach out through our contact page to schedule a free consultation.
Marathon Law Group
2012 Hamilton Ln
Las Vegas, NV 89106
(702) 522-1808